ZIPLINING, Sky Trams And Hanging Bridges

For those that enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences, ziplining or “canopy”, sky tram tours, and hiking along hanging bridges, represent the best options for experiencing intense adrenaline rushes while at the same time exploring the wonders of nature in a unique way.

Let’s hike! The hanging bridges link together the hiking trails so that tourists can appreciate all the wondrous surroundings, making for easy and safe access.

In most cases, they are designed to provide safety to hikers, as well as create a beautiful infrastructure using materials such as aluminum, galvanized steel, and concrete.

Enchanting hiking trails. Around Arenal volcano, in the La Fortuna de San Carlos area, there are tours for observing migratory and native birds. Tours start at 6:00 am and last around 2 and a half hours. You can also immerse yourself in the natural history. Another place to visit is Monteverde. Each route varies in length as do the number of bridges. It is best to accompany an expert tour guide to learn the secrets of the flora and fauna.

Guidelines to not get lost. Visitors must not veer off the established trails. It is prohibited to use radios, tape recorders, or speak loudly, so as not to disturb the animals. It is also prohibited to jump, rock, or run on the bridges.

A relaxing option. It is, without a doubt, the best way to observe the canopy in detail. On the Pacific side in Jacó, there is a sky tram on private property with views of small waterfalls and the ocean. The hour-long excursion covers 5,900 ft (1,800 m).

About an hour from San José you can find another option in a private reserve located next to Braulio Carrillo National Park. You will ascend the rainforest at various heights (from16 to 164 ft./ 5 to 50 m) for 1.6 miles (2.6 km). The tour lasts about 90 minutes. Overall, the climate is hot, but it is a good idea to bring a parka in case it rains.

Another option is in Turrubares, some 2,034 ft. (260 m) long and about 262 ft. (80 m) high. The round trip takes about 20 minutes. Each sky tram can hold 6 people and has automatically opening and closing doors for the visitor’s safety with a ventilation system designed for tropical climates. From the cabin, you can observe the Grande de Tárcoles River and its abundant crocodile population.

In Monteverde there are also sky trams and on a clear day you can see the Nicoya Gulf and Arenal volcano.

High up in the forests. Hidden in the Tilarán Mountain Range, you can zipline through the cloud forests of Monteverde. The excursion lasts around two or three hours, and is an unforgettable experience for observing the surrounding forests and more than 400 species of birds. This type of excursion is also offered in Cuidad Quesada, San Mateo, San Ramón, around the Pacuare River, the Tabacón hot springs and even the Poas volcano.

In the Central Valley. In the county of Turrubares, west of the capital and known for its humid weather and prominent dry season, you will find a high-speed, one minute zipline that stretches a little less than a mile. Its highest point is 328 ft. (100 m) and gets up to 55 mph (90 kph). Overall, 7,388 ft. (2,252 m) are divided among 13 cables, 21 platforms, 2 towers, and a 65 ft. (20 m) rappel, all of which lasts almost two hours.

Close to the ocean. In Drake Bay in the warm Osa Peninsula, you can zipline among lush canopy, with views of the rivers and flourishing greenery. On the Pacific coast you can visit Herradura Beach.

There is nothing better than admiring nature from the air, hanging among the treetops.

Wear long pants or shorts comfortable shoes, and use sun block as well as insect repellent.

Be sure to find companies with experienced guides and sound equipment. Some cable systems have brakes for visitors that have difficulty reaching the platforms.

Be sure that the company you choose has certified guides and safety measures in case of emergency.

You must be at least 6 years old to zipline, with a minimum weight of 50 lbs (22 kilos) and 5 ft. (1.45 m) in height. There is no age limit for adults except for 300 lbs. (135 kilos) in weight and 7 ft. (2.15 m) in height.